The removal of
unwanted body hair.
Unwanted hair is a
common cosmetic problem, especially
affecting women. If hair
growth is excessive, a
physician should examine the
individual before any treatment is undertaken, because occasionally the cause is an
underlying disorder of the ovaries, pituitary gland, or
adrenal glands. In most cases, however, no such
problem exists and hormonal
treatment is both ineffective and potentially dangerous.
A variety of local
treatments is available to
remove hair without unnecessary
damage to the skin.
Shaving is one method.
Depilatory creams can be
applied to the area but must be used in the correct concentration and not left on too long. Alternatively, the skin can be dusted with powder and hot wax applied. When the wax has hardened it is pulled off, bringing the hairs with it. Both depilatory creams and wax treatment are only
temporary solutions; the hairs
reappear within a month or so.
Permanent
removal of superfluous hair may be achieved by electrolysis. This technique destroys the papilla that carries
nutrients to the hair
follicle in the skin. In the hands of a skilled operator, electrolysis
should be relatively painless and not leave visible scars.